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Haunted #2
Fated
Sammara Gunderson Hollywood, California September 2012 As a music journalist, I've interviewed rock stars from all over the globe, using my special "intuitions" to pen some of the most in-depth and personal interviews in the business. Meeting Maggie's Bones-and especially their intense bass player, Mage-proved to be a life-changing experience. I was immediately drawn to this strange but intriguing man, and we spent an amazing night bonding over our similar experiences growing up "freaks." We had a fantastic connection, unlike anything I'd ever experienced... Until Mage started talking about dreams, about destiny and fate, and it brought up too many painful memories...ones I'd buried long ago in a desperate bid to function as a normal human being. That didn't quite work out as planned. Now I'm spiraling down a depressing, anxiety-filled hole, and while I want so desperately to believe that I can heal from my past and love again, love Mage, I'm afraid I may be Fated to be alone... Take another wild ride with the hard-rocking members of Maggie's Bones, and see if love can once again cure the haunted. Author Note: While Fated is a stand-alone story, readers will get greater enjoyment (and more hot, emotional rockers) by first reading Haunted.
- GenresRomance
294 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2015
7 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
82 books701 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 22, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I am officially an R.L. Merrill addict! I need her next book NOW and don't want to wait at all for the next one to be written let alone released! I have fallen in love with each of her series and every book that she writes is sure to be next on my favorite read list. It is pretty much a given as she has not written anything less that a 5 star read yet (at least in my opinion). Her writing style flows so smoothly and swiftly that the reader loses track of time, life and their surroundings. She creates a world that the reader can just jump into with both feet and literally feel like they are in the story.
She describes the locations of her books with such vivid details that I felt like I was in the cemeteries in New Orleans, or in the mansion in California. I felt like I had been to these locations and could easily picture myself right there with the characters. The backdrop for the story is amazing as is the plot and the rollercoaster ride that the author takes us on.
The best part of this book (again my opinion) is that she has mentioned some characters (Danny Black) from other books (The Teacher Series) and integrated them with her amazing characters from Maggie's Bones. If there were ever a book that completely combined these amazing characters together it would be so epic (hint, hint).
I enjoyed getting to know Mage and Sammara and had fun exploring the ongoing relationship with D and Jaylene as well as Star and Mckenzie - I really cannot get enough of these characters and am already looking forward to reading more about them in the next book! I even admit that I like Marcus, even though he isn't exactly lovable or even likable at times...I know that author R.L. Merrill will redeem him soon and make him into the hero I know that he can be!
This is book 2 in this series, but it can be read as a standalone - I do recommend that you read book 1 (Haunted) as well as it is amazing and will give you more insight into the characters in Maggie's Bones. If you haven't read anything by this author you are missing out and you need to get started right away!! I know that once you start reading her you will be addicted just like I am. Add them to your TBR list now and get started on this Rock and Roll journey!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I am officially an R.L. Merrill addict! I need her next book NOW and don't want to wait at all for the next one to be written let alone released! I have fallen in love with each of her series and every book that she writes is sure to be next on my favorite read list. It is pretty much a given as she has not written anything less that a 5 star read yet (at least in my opinion). Her writing style flows so smoothly and swiftly that the reader loses track of time, life and their surroundings. She creates a world that the reader can just jump into with both feet and literally feel like they are in the story.
She describes the locations of her books with such vivid details that I felt like I was in the cemeteries in New Orleans, or in the mansion in California. I felt like I had been to these locations and could easily picture myself right there with the characters. The backdrop for the story is amazing as is the plot and the rollercoaster ride that the author takes us on.
The best part of this book (again my opinion) is that she has mentioned some characters (Danny Black) from other books (The Teacher Series) and integrated them with her amazing characters from Maggie's Bones. If there were ever a book that completely combined these amazing characters together it would be so epic (hint, hint).
I enjoyed getting to know Mage and Sammara and had fun exploring the ongoing relationship with D and Jaylene as well as Star and Mckenzie - I really cannot get enough of these characters and am already looking forward to reading more about them in the next book! I even admit that I like Marcus, even though he isn't exactly lovable or even likable at times...I know that author R.L. Merrill will redeem him soon and make him into the hero I know that he can be!
This is book 2 in this series, but it can be read as a standalone - I do recommend that you read book 1 (Haunted) as well as it is amazing and will give you more insight into the characters in Maggie's Bones. If you haven't read anything by this author you are missing out and you need to get started right away!! I know that once you start reading her you will be addicted just like I am. Add them to your TBR list now and get started on this Rock and Roll journey!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
December 6, 2015
I love this book!! I was first introduced to Mage about a year ago in R.L. Merrill's first book "Haunted" and I was really drawn to him then and wanted to know more about him and what makes him tick. I couldn't wait to read this and I was definitely not disappointed!!
In "Fated" we really get to know Mage more and who he is, where he comes from and his thoughts and feelings especially when he finally meets the girl of his dreams, Sammara! Sparks immediately fly BUT Sammara has a complicated past of her own that she must overcome. I laughed outloud and really, really hated to see this book end!! I cannot wait to see what happens next with Maggie's Bones and any of the other characters from "Haunted" or "Fated" or "Minded" Hopefully R.L. Merrill write more with these characters in the future!!
Fated can easily be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading "Haunted" either before or after and getting to know the characters even more!!
In "Fated" we really get to know Mage more and who he is, where he comes from and his thoughts and feelings especially when he finally meets the girl of his dreams, Sammara! Sparks immediately fly BUT Sammara has a complicated past of her own that she must overcome. I laughed outloud and really, really hated to see this book end!! I cannot wait to see what happens next with Maggie's Bones and any of the other characters from "Haunted" or "Fated" or "Minded" Hopefully R.L. Merrill write more with these characters in the future!!
Fated can easily be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading "Haunted" either before or after and getting to know the characters even more!!
November 13, 2015
Maggie's Bones story continue with Mage finding his soulmate. A journalist named Sammara was not ready for a relationship. This was Amazing. I love how the book goes back to New Orleans and the Cajun culture is written in the story. Can't wait to read the next book
February 13, 2019
Slowly, the men of Maggie's Bones are finding women to settle down with.
We've seen Devon settle with the New Orleans tattoo artist, Jaylene.
In the novella Bated, we've seen Marcus come to terms with wanting more from the bands manager Sherry. But she won't go down so easily.
Fated is the story of Mage and Sammara.
Sammara is a music journalist who has gotten the opportunity of a lifetime! To be able to interview Maggie's Bones after the rough year they've gone through and to finally discover the inspiration behind their newest album is everything Sammara could've hoped for. However, she's in for a surprise when she meets Maggie's Bones bass player, Mage, and feels and instant attraction to him.
Mage has been celibate since he started dreaming of his woman. He knows what he wants and he's not about to let his woman run away from him once he's finally met her. However, Mage has got to help Sammara overcome her fears and past trauma to realize the happiness they could have in the future.
Once again Merrill has made me fall even more in love with the men of Maggie's Bones! I can only hope that the woman who catches Jade's eye knocks him down a peg or two with his over-inflated ego.
We've seen Devon settle with the New Orleans tattoo artist, Jaylene.
In the novella Bated, we've seen Marcus come to terms with wanting more from the bands manager Sherry. But she won't go down so easily.
Fated is the story of Mage and Sammara.
Sammara is a music journalist who has gotten the opportunity of a lifetime! To be able to interview Maggie's Bones after the rough year they've gone through and to finally discover the inspiration behind their newest album is everything Sammara could've hoped for. However, she's in for a surprise when she meets Maggie's Bones bass player, Mage, and feels and instant attraction to him.
Mage has been celibate since he started dreaming of his woman. He knows what he wants and he's not about to let his woman run away from him once he's finally met her. However, Mage has got to help Sammara overcome her fears and past trauma to realize the happiness they could have in the future.
Once again Merrill has made me fall even more in love with the men of Maggie's Bones! I can only hope that the woman who catches Jade's eye knocks him down a peg or two with his over-inflated ego.
August 11, 2017
Important perspective on living beyond crisis.
Few authors have so deeply expressed the depth of healing required after trama. Reading a story of love tempered with patience & empathy is inspiring. Thank you R.L. Merrill for this recognition. I hope it brings more awareness and hope. May survivors find people who help them grow beyond their past.
Few authors have so deeply expressed the depth of healing required after trama. Reading a story of love tempered with patience & empathy is inspiring. Thank you R.L. Merrill for this recognition. I hope it brings more awareness and hope. May survivors find people who help them grow beyond their past.
February 5, 2019
Two words....utterly fantastic! I was hooked with the first story, Haunted, but with Fated.... It was like being grabbed by spectral hands and pulled into the emotional whirlwind of the two main characters. I seatbelt baited breath to read the next book. Ms. Merrill is an amazing author who brings to life the world in which her characters lives as well as her characters.
November 13, 2015
5++ #ThatsAllIGot Stars
Just over a year ago, I read and reviewed Haunted, R.L. Merrill's first published book and the first in this series. I was so blown away by the story and the writing and I felt a cosmic connection to the characters and the author. That continues and is compounded upon with her newest release Fated. Like Haunted, Fated is centered around the band Maggie’s Bones, and in particular their bassist Mage. However it's the life of a music reporter Sammara Gunderson that becomes wholly engrossing. Sammara is a complex character and for the first time in a long time I totally connected with a character - I got her frame of mind, and I ached for wrongs done to her and hoped for the healing power of love (tee hee). As for Mage - well I simply fell in love with him. The story line is beautiful and explores some very interesting and sometimes heartbreaking topics.
I myself like the idea of “Fate” as it’s a beautiful and romantic notion. For Mage, his destiny is presented to him through his dreams and his intuitive nature and when he meets Sammara he just KNOWS. She's. The. One!! Yes, he trusts this wholeheartedly and it gives him courage and conviction to go after what he wants. He is corny and adorable, sexy and so, so sweet on Sammara. When she's placed in his life it screams of destiny. Like Mage, Sammara lives with the unique abilities as an empath, which is both a gift and a curse. Ms. Merrill describes this to perfection and weaves this into Sammara’s take on life. She feels it, accepts it, but doesn’t always like it. This element alone makes Mage a perfect match for her but Sammara isn’t so sure.
Sammara is this beautifully damaged women. Nothing about her is traditional which makes her so captivating. She’s had success but also had some seriously horrible things happen to her. As one would imagine trauma experienced by an empath like Sammara leaves her in a dark and scary place. The author does an amazing job developing this aspect of her character; the anxiety she feels and how she's taught herself to deal with it is depicted with tact and grace. My heart broke for Sammara. And Mage, knowing there’s no quick fix, is ever so gallant. It’s one the many reasons he's a character that you can't help but love. He is the embodiment of gentle and kind soul. He treats Samarra so well and allows their connection to mature without force.
Once again, Ms. Merrill does a stunning job conveying the emotions of two people falling in love; the giddiness, self-doubt, fear, hope, and on and on. I felt it happen between Devon and Jaylene while reading Haunted, and again I felt fell in love right along with Mage and Sammara. There's so much to contemplate as the story winds down and Maggie's Bones make some changes to their line-up...
Fated is a 5++ star read and one I recommend wholeheartedly!!
Just over a year ago, I read and reviewed Haunted, R.L. Merrill's first published book and the first in this series. I was so blown away by the story and the writing and I felt a cosmic connection to the characters and the author. That continues and is compounded upon with her newest release Fated. Like Haunted, Fated is centered around the band Maggie’s Bones, and in particular their bassist Mage. However it's the life of a music reporter Sammara Gunderson that becomes wholly engrossing. Sammara is a complex character and for the first time in a long time I totally connected with a character - I got her frame of mind, and I ached for wrongs done to her and hoped for the healing power of love (tee hee). As for Mage - well I simply fell in love with him. The story line is beautiful and explores some very interesting and sometimes heartbreaking topics.
I myself like the idea of “Fate” as it’s a beautiful and romantic notion. For Mage, his destiny is presented to him through his dreams and his intuitive nature and when he meets Sammara he just KNOWS. She's. The. One!! Yes, he trusts this wholeheartedly and it gives him courage and conviction to go after what he wants. He is corny and adorable, sexy and so, so sweet on Sammara. When she's placed in his life it screams of destiny. Like Mage, Sammara lives with the unique abilities as an empath, which is both a gift and a curse. Ms. Merrill describes this to perfection and weaves this into Sammara’s take on life. She feels it, accepts it, but doesn’t always like it. This element alone makes Mage a perfect match for her but Sammara isn’t so sure.
Sammara is this beautifully damaged women. Nothing about her is traditional which makes her so captivating. She’s had success but also had some seriously horrible things happen to her. As one would imagine trauma experienced by an empath like Sammara leaves her in a dark and scary place. The author does an amazing job developing this aspect of her character; the anxiety she feels and how she's taught herself to deal with it is depicted with tact and grace. My heart broke for Sammara. And Mage, knowing there’s no quick fix, is ever so gallant. It’s one the many reasons he's a character that you can't help but love. He is the embodiment of gentle and kind soul. He treats Samarra so well and allows their connection to mature without force.
Once again, Ms. Merrill does a stunning job conveying the emotions of two people falling in love; the giddiness, self-doubt, fear, hope, and on and on. I felt it happen between Devon and Jaylene while reading Haunted, and again I felt fell in love right along with Mage and Sammara. There's so much to contemplate as the story winds down and Maggie's Bones make some changes to their line-up...
Fated is a 5++ star read and one I recommend wholeheartedly!!
January 22, 2017
This book continues on with some of the members of Maggie's Bones. If you have not read Haunted I suggest you do that to get a bit more of a grasp on the band.
Sammara gets to interview Mage, the bass player of the band and she immediately is interested in him. Ironically he is interested in her as well and they find out they have a lot of stuff in common in their past. This works out great until the topics of destiny, fate, dreams, and the future come up. Mage believes in fate and has dreamed of his future wife and he immediately knows that it is her. This causes Sammara to be reminded of her past, one she is trying to keep buried inside and is failing. The memories start to overwhelm her and she sinks into depression. Neither Mage or Sammara are "traditional" love story characters, they are both broken in some way but can they manage to put each other back together?
I love how the characters are written, you can almost feel like you are spiraling into a depression and anxiety induced haze with Sammara. Some of the topics that are brought up in this book are deep and interesting and are things that many people face daily. This helps to bring a greater sense of reality to the writing. I can't wait to read more about the band members.
Sammara gets to interview Mage, the bass player of the band and she immediately is interested in him. Ironically he is interested in her as well and they find out they have a lot of stuff in common in their past. This works out great until the topics of destiny, fate, dreams, and the future come up. Mage believes in fate and has dreamed of his future wife and he immediately knows that it is her. This causes Sammara to be reminded of her past, one she is trying to keep buried inside and is failing. The memories start to overwhelm her and she sinks into depression. Neither Mage or Sammara are "traditional" love story characters, they are both broken in some way but can they manage to put each other back together?
I love how the characters are written, you can almost feel like you are spiraling into a depression and anxiety induced haze with Sammara. Some of the topics that are brought up in this book are deep and interesting and are things that many people face daily. This helps to bring a greater sense of reality to the writing. I can't wait to read more about the band members.
November 14, 2015
Mage and Samarra!!! Relationship goals!!
R.L. Merrill is one of those authors that draws you in and makes you love the characters. I was besotted by Mage in Haunted already, and Fated just made me that more in love.
Mage has dreamed of his future wife, and when he meets Sammara he knows he has finally found her. The only problem is, Sammara has issues from being violated on more than one occasion. Can she let Mage in or will her issues put an end to it before it even gets started?? You will have to one click to get the goods on the rocking romance, and YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!
If you have read her Teacher series or Haunted, I guarantee you will love this book too. I was dealing with migraines while reading it, which cut my reading time real low...when not reading it, I was thinking about it. When sleeping I actually dreamed about reading it!! R.L. Merrill rocks!!!
R.L. Merrill is one of those authors that draws you in and makes you love the characters. I was besotted by Mage in Haunted already, and Fated just made me that more in love.
Mage has dreamed of his future wife, and when he meets Sammara he knows he has finally found her. The only problem is, Sammara has issues from being violated on more than one occasion. Can she let Mage in or will her issues put an end to it before it even gets started?? You will have to one click to get the goods on the rocking romance, and YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!
If you have read her Teacher series or Haunted, I guarantee you will love this book too. I was dealing with migraines while reading it, which cut my reading time real low...when not reading it, I was thinking about it. When sleeping I actually dreamed about reading it!! R.L. Merrill rocks!!!
November 14, 2015
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Fated we are introduced to a new character named Sammara who is a music reporter for Feedback Magazine. When she meets the band, Mage has more than an instant attraction to her, he feels they are “fated” to be together. Fated continues to follow the story of the band, Maggie's Bones, and its members. This time it follows the love story closely of Sammara and Mage as well.
I loved the characters in this book, enough so that I actually went to bed and had a dream of them. RL Merrill has a hit on her hands with this one! She has covered so much more than just the usual Rock 'n Romance that I can not do it justice in a review and not give away spoilers! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Fated, fall in love with Mage and Sammara! You won't regret it!
In Fated we are introduced to a new character named Sammara who is a music reporter for Feedback Magazine. When she meets the band, Mage has more than an instant attraction to her, he feels they are “fated” to be together. Fated continues to follow the story of the band, Maggie's Bones, and its members. This time it follows the love story closely of Sammara and Mage as well.
I loved the characters in this book, enough so that I actually went to bed and had a dream of them. RL Merrill has a hit on her hands with this one! She has covered so much more than just the usual Rock 'n Romance that I can not do it justice in a review and not give away spoilers! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Fated, fall in love with Mage and Sammara! You won't regret it!
December 31, 2015
This book was awesome! I had a very hard time putting this book down to eat dinner, the book was calling my name to finish! The second book about the story of Maggie's Bones and how they deal with Maggie's death, the record label and life in general. Many ups an downs, and hope for love in the most unexpected ways. These "boys" really keep you on your toes! The issue with any walk of life is how one would deal with rape, and how it affects many around you even when you thought it was under control or it didn't happen to me, it would never happen to me mentality. It is a sensitive subject but i feel the author did a very good job on the topic. As far as Maggie's Bones go, they are always learning, hurting, loving and trying to get through life the best they can. :)
December 10, 2015
Oh what can I say about this authors books that I haven't already. Sigh. This one again, gets five stars, and then five more! I absolutely loved it!!! We are back with the band Maggie's Bones in this one, but this time Mage is the star of the story. He is after his soulmate Sammara, and what a chase it is. I feel such a connection with this author and her books, that nothing I can say will do the books justice. I just love them so much, and will pretty much drop everything when a new one comes out!
December 2, 2015
Loved!!!! Mage and Sammara are both extra special because they are open to others. Sammara has had a tragic past and this book gives you great insight into the topic and how to handle the situation. Gives you great information on what you should do if it should ever happen to you. Along with the serious information it is also hilarious and has great times with the Bones' Bandmates and Sammara's family. Love the naked dancing...love the fact my name is in the book :) although not intentionally haha Can't wait to read more!!!!
March 13, 2016
A wonderful sequel that should be read. Mage has dreamed of his mate for a very long time. When she comes to interview the band after their first record after Maggie's death, Mage refuses to let Sammara go. She is literally the woman of her dreams.
Sammara's life growing up was not ideal. She has been through trauma. After she meets Mage, her life really starts to come together. It is time for Mage to help heal Sammara's heart and soul on her timeline. He is so patient and caring. Their love was truly FATED.
Sammara's life growing up was not ideal. She has been through trauma. After she meets Mage, her life really starts to come together. It is time for Mage to help heal Sammara's heart and soul on her timeline. He is so patient and caring. Their love was truly FATED.
June 1, 2016
Another hit in the Haunted Story series. Kudos Ms. Merrill for touching on such a controversial subject. It happens in all walks of life, from the very young to the older folks as well. I see it happen all the time, no matter what job or walk of life you come from. I won't get started I promise.
Madge and Sammara are the perfect couple. He was raised to respect women and with her upbringing she rose from the ashes of her past experiences to become one awe inspiring woman.
Madge and Sammara are the perfect couple. He was raised to respect women and with her upbringing she rose from the ashes of her past experiences to become one awe inspiring woman.
January 29, 2017
This story was extremely well written, although there were a few places that dragged a little. I enjoyed the development of the band members and hope there is a story for each.
Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I believe that there may be some benefit in reading "Haunted" first. Character personalities are first introduced in "Haunted" and would endear the characters even more to the reader.
Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I believe that there may be some benefit in reading "Haunted" first. Character personalities are first introduced in "Haunted" and would endear the characters even more to the reader.
January 26, 2017
This is one of those books that stays with you long after turning the last page. The author has written a book that had me laughing one moment, crying the next, and other emotions in between. I love the characters and thought the author did a great job of conveying their emotions. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 15, 2015
Love, love, loved it! I really love Mage and Sam! I can't wait to see more!
July 30, 2016
Loved the story of Mage and Sammara! Looking forward to reading the next story of the members of Maggie's Bones. Keep them coming R.L. Merrill.
Read
January 25, 2017**SPOILERS* A great story. Sequel to Haunted. Very touching story about rape and how it affects all the people involved with the person who was raped. Set in the music world once again. Has very great characters and makes you feel like you are in the middle of the story. Looking forward to reading more of the books written by R.L. Merrill
Read
January 29, 2017Great story
I loved this book, it is the second in the set and it was even better than the first. I'm hooked on this series.
I loved this book, it is the second in the set and it was even better than the first. I'm hooked on this series.
April 30, 2017
OMGosh
What a great book. I love Maggie bones and their ladies. Love the way you can see the story. Thank you for the adventure.
What a great book. I love Maggie bones and their ladies. Love the way you can see the story. Thank you for the adventure.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews